Miguel Almiron has admitted he will have a “target” on his back as the Premier League’s most expensive January signing.

Newcastle's record £21m signing says he is ready to prove his worth, and cope with physical top flight defenders.

Almiron was unveiled by Newcastle at a St James’ Park press conference on Thursday, 14 years after their last record signing, £16.8m Michael Owen. The Paraguay international says he is fit and ready to make his debut against Wolves on Monday night.

Almiron called his switch from MLS champions Atlanta United a “dream” come true and a “no-brainer.”

He said: “In terms of the pressure and price tag, I don’t pay too much attention to that.

Almiron was unveiled on Thursday (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

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“As for being a target, I’m aware it’s a physical league, and that’s something I can prepare for in training. It will be tough. The tempo is different. High pressing and generally a harder league to play in than the MLS. My team mates will help me and it is something I will cope with.

“Being a representatives of this club, Newcastle United, that is pressure enough. It was a no-brainer to come here. I had no hesitation when I heard of Newcastle’s interest back in November, and of Rafa Benitez’s interest in me. I had to be patient.”

Almiron has revealed how his “humble beginnings” will help him prove his worth at Newcastle.

In his free time he studies videos of his “heroes” Lionel Messi and former team-mate Angel Di Maria to get inspiration for his next game.

The Paraguayan is Newcastle's record buy (Image: PA)

The 24-year-old was renown as the hardest trainer at Atlanta, as he chased his “dream” of a move to the Premier League.

Almiron, who grew up in Paraguay's capital Asuncion, thanked his parents for toiling all hours, his dad as a security guard, and mum in a supermarket, to “always putting a meal on the table” when he was a kid.

He said: “We were from a humble background my parents worked really hard to always make sure we had food on the table. We never lacked a meal at the end of the day and they helped my in my early career, took me to games and training and always paid my club fees.

“They were a big help to me.

“Now because I’ve done okay they’ve been able to retire and they have a house. They will join me in Newcastle too.

“From my parents, I know the value of hard work. For me football’s not just about skill and ability, especially in this league when the tempo is so high, it’s about working hard and to succeed, you’ve got to put a real shift in.”

How good is the No10 who Rafa Benitez hopes will spark his attack, as well as working for the team?

His YouTube hits compilation suggests a devilish trick, and pace.

He added: “You’ll only see if that was true when I play. My best mate made the compilation you’ve seen! What am I like? I try to get my team playing around me and to help those team mates."